Federal Workers Comp/Disability

[sinnister]

Hi all,
I work for the DoD - 3 1/2 years until I can retire. I've injured my back at work a few years back but have been able to work (I do quite a bit of lifting); It's progressively getting worse. I'm to the point of looking into surgery as an option but I really would prefer to avoid this. The surgery would only correct one issue of a myriad of problems.

My question is simple: What happens if the doc says no more work? He's mentioned disability numerous times but I've no idea how that works. Being this close to retirement it would be pretty devastating if I had to hit the sidewalk.

Thanks.

[jayne]

being a fed worker you may have different rules than state....do you have a HR person that can explain how it works for you?

[1171]

you are given a rating if/when your injury results in a permanent impairment.
the rating determines how much addition disability payments are allowed.
the greater the rating the longer the payments. whether you can return to your former job is irrelevant to the rating.

there are time limits and whether impairment benefits are still available on your prior injury is unknown.

more here
http://www.dol.gov/owcp/